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Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley
Rich in industrial heritage, caves, ancient woodland and rare species
near Southgate, Swansea
Opening times for 3 May 2024
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Parking in Southgate Car Park, suitable for disabled parking. National Trust members, motorbikes and Blue Badge holders park for free.
Dogs
Welcome on leads, please be aware of livestock
Coffee shop
There is a shop and coffee shop in Southgate
Pub
There are pubs in Bishopston and Kittle
National Trust car park at Southgate with level access on tarmac path along some of the coastal path which later turns to grass path.
Accessible route and/or map
Some paths on the Pennard Cliffs are suitable for wheelchairs
Designated parking
Disabled parking spaces at Southgate Car Park
By road
B4436 from Swansea and then minor road to Pennard and Southgate
Parking: Southgate car park (NT)
On foot
Numerous footpaths and bridleways
By bus
Gower Explorer, 14, 14a and 114. Call Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 22 33 or visit Traveline Cymru
By bicycle
See local cycle routes on the Sustrans website
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the Gower with your dog
Come and explore the UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with your canine companion.
Highlights
Coast
Coast rich in history including soaring cliffs, caves where mammoths once lived, rare birds, ancient woodland and stories of smugglers.
Things to see and do
Article
Exploring common land at Pennard
Discover more about the common land at Pennard Cliffs which allows animals such as cattle and sheep, the right to graze and roam freely around the common.
Places to stay
Rhossili Old Rectory
Just metres from the world-famous beach at Rhosili Bay, this cottage offers a unique stay on the Gower Peninsula.
Rhossili 1 Coastguard Cottage
Dramatic sea views and cliff-top walks in all directions make this cottage a must-visit.
South Pilton Green Farmhouse
A modern farmhouse perfectly placed for exploring the Gower Peninsula.
Burrows Cottage
A serene stay among pine woodlands, just a short walk to the sand dunes of Whiteford Burrows.
About Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley
Spectacular cliffs, caves where mammoths once lived, rare birds, an underground river, bat roosts, silver lead mining, ancient woodland, smuggling and limestone quarrying are just a few of the wonders of this area.
There are also numerous archaeological features and two important caves – Bacon Hole and Minchin Hole. Long Ash Mine in Bishopston Valley was a silver lead mine and is now a roost for greater and lesser horseshoe bats.
Pwll Du Bay was once an extensive limestone quarry. The buildings that remain were once inns for the thirsty workers. The bay was also a popular smuggling cove with some of the contraband maybe being sold in the inns.
Pwll Du Head is the highest headland on Gower and offers fantastic views of Pennard Cliffs and the coastline towards Mumbles.
How about a walk from our car park along the flat, grassy cliff tops west towards Three Cliffs Bay or Pwll Du to the east. These cliffs are common land grazed by cattle and sheep. This grazing is important for the Chough, a rare member of the crow family.